A Newcastle United mascot appeared to be left by herself in the middle of the pitch before the 4-1 Premier League defeat to Liverpool at Anfield on Saturday night
A Newcastle United mascot is left by herself ahead of the game against Liverpool
A Newcastle United mascot is left by herself ahead of the game against Liverpool
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Newcastle United have pledged to put things right after a young mascot was left by herself ahead of the defeat to Liverpool on Saturday night. The Magpies were beaten 4-1 by Arne Slot’s side at Anfield – despite the fact they took the lead through Anthony Gordon.
However, following the game, a video emerged online showing Newcastle’s mascot for the game, a young girl, left alone and looking confused in the centre of the pitch after Eddie Howe’s players raced away to prepare for the game following the pre-game handshake.
The camera then panned to the opposite side of the pitch, where Liverpool skipper Virgil van Dijk was passing a ball to his side's three young mascots. Although Dan Burn was named on the teamsheet as Newcastle captain for the game in the absence of Bruno Guimaraes, Howe’s side were led out at Anfield by Kieran Trippier, who was holding the hand of the young mascot as they both made their way onto the pitch.
Since the video emerged online, Newcastle’s players have come under fire for leaving the young girl by herself, with plenty pointing out that the clip does not put the club or Howe’s players in a good light.
Now, The Telegraph is reporting that the Magpies will not only reach out to the family of the mascot, but club chiefs have also pledged to look into what happened and put things right for the young supporter.
It is also being reported that after the clip ends, the young girl was taken over to the away bench, where she shook hands with manager Howe.
Responding to the incident, the Newcastle United Supporters Trust said in a statement released on Monday morning: “We spoke to the club about this yesterday – they are aware and it is being addressed and action being taken.”
Despite taking the lead through Gordon's strike, Hugo Ekitike scored twice in two minutes for Liverpool as he turned the game on its head heading into the break. Florian Wirtz and Ibrahima Konate then wrapped up the victory for Arne Slot’s side in the second-half.
Newcastle players celebrate Anthony Gordon's goal against Liverpool
Newcastle players celebrate Anthony Gordon's goal against Liverpool
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"We are really disappointed because I thought it was a strong performance - 4-1 is really hard on us,” Howe said afterwards. “We scored a great goal, started really strongly and we were a strong counter-attack threat.
"It is just the manner of the goals conceded were really poor from our perspective. I would not expect us normally to concede those types of goal.
"You've got to give Hugo Ekikike a lot of credit, especially the second goal. I thought it was an unbelievable run and finish but I don't think we cover ourselves in glory on the small details.
"We switch off for a few seconds on a goal kick and you kick yourselves afterward because they are key moments in the game."